CEYLON 137 



equipped factory, capable of handling not less than 

 400,000 pounds of rubber annually, at a sum not 

 exceeding 3,300. The machinery now in general 

 use is simple, effective, and not costly. Oil-engines 

 burning liquid fuel provide the required motive power. 

 These engines in Ceylon are generally supplied by 

 Hornsby and Co. or Crossley and Co., and other 

 British manufacturers, and the fuel for them costs 

 approximately threepence per gallon, delivered on the 

 estate. The price of the creping and washing machines 

 is 95 each, delivered at the factory. The most modern 

 washing machines for scrap are more expensive, and 

 they run as high as 250, but only one is required 

 when handling a crop of 400,000 to 450,000 pounds of 

 rubber. The only other machine is the dryer; one 

 with two chambers of the Passberg patent would be 

 required for a crop of the size mentioned, and could 

 be installed for approximately 800. A less costly 

 dryer, but not so effective, is supplied by the Colombo 

 Commercial Company for 260. 



For an estate of 1,000 acres of rubber six years old 

 the working expenses should be approximately as 

 follows : 



Rupees. 



1. Collecting and curing 50,000 



2. Maintenance of roads and drains ... 5,000 



3. Weeding 6,000 



4. Manuring ... ... ... ... ... 18,000 



5. Cultivation (forking over land, etc.) ... 12,000 



6. Management (manager, two European 



assistants, chemist, two conductors, 



clerks, etc.) 25,000 



7. Depreciation on buildings and machinery 15,000 



8. Transport 3,ooo 



9. Colombo agents' commission 4,000 



10. Contingencies 10,000 



Total 148,000 



